Thailand’s King denounces sister’s move to contest election for PM

The king of Thailand has denounced his sister after she announced an unprecedented bid to become prime minister.

A run by Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, who renounced her royal title and privileges when she married an American in the 1970s, would pose an unexpected challenge to the military junta that has ruled Thailand since a coup nearly five years ago.

Ubolratana announced on Thursday she would represent a party associated with the exiled telecoms tycoon and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in a move so bold that analysts said it must have been approved by her brother King Vajiralongkorn.

But hours later the king made a televised statement suggesting he had been caught by surprise. “Involvement of a high-ranking member of the royal family in politics, in whatever way, is an act that conflicts with the country’s traditions, customs and culture and therefore is considered extremely inappropriate,” he said.

The king’s opposition to the move is likely to lead to Ubolratana’s disqualification by the election commission.

Ubolratana said she was simply exercising her rights as a citizen, but registration papers that listed her legal residence as Boromphiman Throne Hall and the Grand Palace underline just how exceptional her prospective candidacy is.